Rallying around the flag

Next Monday is National Flag Day, which commemorates acceptance of the American flag’s design on that date in 1777. Although celebrated for decades, Flag Day wasn’t a holiday until 1916, and it didn’t become a national holiday until 1949.

In a 1914 Flag Day address, Interior Secretary Franklin Lane quoted the flag’s “statement” to him that morning as, “I am what you make me; nothing more. I swing before your eyes as a bright beam of color, a symbol of yourself.”

Although this isn’t an endorsement of either book, for my devotional in 2020, I read “The Best of the Bible — 365 Must-Read Bible Passages” and “365 Ways to Know God — Devotional Readings on the Names of God.” The passages used for Nov. 14 were Acts 25:1-27 (Paul speaks to Festus: proving our Christianity) and Isaiah 11:10 (Jesus, our flag) for the former and latter books, respectively. I thought those devotionals went well together as written.

Citizens are known by the flag that flies over them. The American flag encourages those who respect it to come together in support of their country. I love the climax of the movie, “The Patriot,” when Mel Gibson rallies the troops to victory by picking up the flag after the flag bearer had fallen while the regular army and militia were in retreat.

During all his trials, Paul denied he was a traitor to the Jewish nation because of his faith in Christ. He provided plenty of evidence he could be both a Jew and a Christian, but he also claimed his rights as a Roman citizen.

Like all Christians, Paul was a citizen of heaven and his very way of life was the evidence of his earthly and heavenly citizenships (Philippians 3: 20-21). He had completely rallied to the cause of Christ in every case, and we are encouraged as Christians to follow such examples presenting the same evidence in our lives (Philippians 3:3-21; 4:1; 1 Corinthians 4:16-17; 9:19-27; 1 Peter 2:9-17; 3:15-16).

While Christians are temporary citizens of various countries on earth, our citizenship in heaven is permanent unless we become traitors to the cause of Christ, our flag (Matthew 10:32-33; Hebrews 10:39). Christian living and explanation is how Jesus rallies others to himself as the flag of our salvation that was lifted up on the cross so others also can be united with him (John 12:32; Romans 10:8-17; 6:3-7).

Are you living as a devoted citizen of America? She needs us now more than ever!

More importantly, though, are you a committed citizen of heaven? Both humankind and God know the difference (Matthew 7:15-24; 5:14-16).

Coincidentally, Congress also adopted the American Continental Army on June 14, 1775; so the U.S. Army also celebrates its birthday on June 14. Thank you to all those having served in any branch of our military who protect our rights, property, and lives, as well as the first responders who serve here at home!

Leonard Lauriault is a member of the Church of Christ in Logan who writes about faith for the Quay County Sun. Contact him at [email protected].